Rafael Injury: Updates on Man United Defender's Concussion and Return

Updates from Friday, March 14

David Moyes is hopeful Rafael will be fit to make a return for Manchester United against Liverpool this weekend.

The official club Twitter noted:

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Manchester United right-back Rafael suffered a concussion following a scary fall during the club's 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.   

David Moyes announced the news after the match, per United's Twitter account:

Rafael was subbed off to make way for Rio Ferdinand to start the second half. He landed awkwardly a few minutes earlier after challenging Olivier Giroud for an aerial ball:

Recovery from a concussion is always difficult to predict, as every player responds differently and the severity of each concussion varies. Some can come right back, while others may need weeks or even months off. The fact that Moyes described Rafael as "concussed but okay" is at least encouraging news.

The Red Devils will need him over the next month or so. On the 25th, they have the first leg of their Champions League matchup with Olympiakos. Immediately following that is a difficult road fixture against West Brom and then a home match versus Liverpool.

Although Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can all be deputized at right-back, Rafael is the only natural one in the squad, so it's important that he makes a quick recovery.